Mumbai, September 13, 2024 — Simran Budharup, known for her role in the popular television series Kumkum Bhagya, faced a disturbing incident at the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh pandal during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Budharup was at the renowned Mumbai venue to partake in the festival when she was reportedly manhandled by a chaotic crowd. Eyewitnesses stated that the situation escalated rapidly, with the actress being jostled and pushed as she attempted to seek blessings.
Simran Budharup Speaks Out About Incident
In a statement, Budharup expressed her distress over the incident. She shared, “Today, I visited Lalbagh Cha Raja with my mother to seek blessings, but our experience was marred by the unacceptable behaviour of the staff. A man from the organization snatched my mother’s phone while she was clicking a picture. My mother was in the queue behind me, not taking any extra time as it was my turn for the darshan. When she tried to retrieve her phone, he pushed her. I intervened, and the bouncers rough-handled me. When I started recording this behaviour, they tried snatching my phone too. It’s in the video where I am yelling, ‘Mat Karo! Kya Kar Rahe Ho Aap.’ They only backed off when they realized I’m an actor.”
Budharup highlighted the broader issue, stating, “This incident underscores the need for awareness and accountability. People visit such places with good intentions, seeking positivity and blessings. Instead, we were met with aggression and disrespect. While I understand that managing crowds is challenging, it is the staff’s responsibility to maintain order without misbehaving or harming devotees.”
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Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The incident has sparked a wave of support for Budharup on social media, with many netizens condemning the behaviour of the staff and raising concerns about the safety and management of large crowds at major public events. The organizers of the Lalbaugcha Raja celebrations are now under increased scrutiny, with demands for improved safety protocols and better protection for visitors in the future.
